A statue of Lionel Messi has been vandalised in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires.

The bronze statue was chopped just above the ankles with the body being then left on the pavement. It is the 2nd time that the statue has been vandalised this year.

Argentine police have said that there was no clear motive. However, Messi has been criticised for his performances in the national team on a regular basis as they struggled to qualify for the World Cup.